We Believe: On the Third Day He Rose Again

“Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” - 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 

Reflection 

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith and hope. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, understood the doubts and debates that swirled around the claim that Jesus had been raised from the dead. In the passage above, Paul does not mince words—he insists that the truth of Christ’s resurrection is not a peripheral issue, but at the very heart of the gospel. Without it, faith is futile, preaching is meaningless, and the power of sin remains unbroken. 

To believe that Jesus rose again on the third day is to believe in the very power and promise of God. The resurrection is not merely a historical event; it is the moment when death was defeated, hope was restored, and the way was opened for all who believe to experience new life. If Christ was not raised, then the cross is nothing more than a tragic ending—but because He lives, the cross becomes the greatest victory the world has ever known. 

Paul’s words challenge us to look beyond the grave and to see the transformative reality that the resurrection brings. It is a living hope, an anchor for our weary souls, and the assurance that God’s promises are true. The empty tomb proclaims loudly that sin and death do not have the final word—Jesus does. 

The resurrection also speaks to the ultimate question of what happens after death. In a world filled with uncertainty, pain, and loss, the reality that Jesus rose again gives us confidence that those who place their trust in Him will also share in His resurrection. The grave is not our final destination. For all who are in Christ, the promise of eternal life is secure. 

Personal Application 

Believing in the resurrection is more than an affirmation of a past event; it is an invitation to live in the reality of Christ’s victory every day. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to each of us who trust in Him. This means that no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, God is able to bring new life, healing, and restoration. 

Are there areas in your life that feel lifeless or beyond hope? The empty tomb assures us that nothing is impossible for God. When we feel burdened by shame, failure, or grief, we can remember that the resurrection means our past does not define our future. Jesus invites us to walk in a new identity—one marked by forgiveness, freedom, and resurrection power. 

Living in the light of the resurrection also means facing life’s challenges with faith and courage. We will encounter hardship, questions, and moments of doubt, but because Christ is alive, we are never alone. We can persevere, knowing that even the darkest night gives way to the dawn of new hope. 

Let the resurrection shape your perspective today. Choose to trust in God’s promises, to walk in the freedom He offers, and to carry the hope of new life into every circumstance. 

Thought-Provoking Questions 

1. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you personally, and how does it shape your faith journey? 
2. Are there areas of your life where you need to experience God’s resurrection power and hope? 
3. How might your daily choices and outlook change if you truly lived in the reality that Jesus is alive? 
4. In what ways can you share the message of the resurrection with others who need hope? 

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for the victory of the resurrection. Thank You that, because He rose again on the third day, we have hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. Help us to live each day in the power of the resurrection, trusting You to bring life where there seems to be only death. Fill us with courage, faith, and joy, that we may be living witnesses to Your love and grace. May the truth of the empty tomb transform our hearts and lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

Written by Sarah Leasure